Question: One of my friends says that for the nikah no one can be invited. And the vaalimah must be after 2 or 3 days after marriage and only few members should be invited for that also (40 or 50) because she is saying simple marriage has barakath. Is this the prophet's way of marriage? Is it allowed for the bride's side to call family members for the nikah & give them a feast? Is it a bid'ath?

Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

Thank you for your question.

There is no restriction in inviting people to a nikah. One of the objectives of the nikah is to publicize the marriage solemnization. A feast is not an Islamic practice during the nikah occasion. Some dates, sweets or small refreshments can be distributed at the nikah.

The only marriage feast that is Sunnah (and Islamic) is the wedding feast known as the walimah. This takes place followed by the nikah when the couple have met in seclusion or consummated the marriage which is usually a day or two immediately after the nikah. One can invite as many people as one wishes in the walimah. Simplicity is encouraged with no wastage, even though there may be many people invited.

The bride’s family can invite very close family for a feast at the nikah. The major wedding feast is by the groom, known as the walimah, as described above.

And Allah knows best.

Answered by Shaykh Yusuf BadatHadith of the Day ImamImam of the Islamic Foundation of Toronto and Director of Mathabah Institute